Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 6] Chapter 184

[Vol. 6] Chapter 184: The Council of Deliberation

The [Eastern Origin Mysterious Kingdom] is quite unique in its structure, functioning as a multi-faceted state dominated by sects. Scattered across its vast territory are over ten thousand sects of varying sizes. Each region is overseen by a major sect, akin to a government office, managing local affairs and public welfare.

However, a sect’s deep heritage doesn’t automatically make it the governing body of its region. To gain control, it must compete with others for the position. In [Eastern Origin Mysterious Kingdom], competition is a way of life, like the rules of survival in the jungle that only benefit the strongest. This fierce rivalry has made it the strongest of the four nations in the [Ancient Spirit Realm] in terms of overall national power.

Governance of a region is both a significant responsibility and a pathway to immense wealth and authority. Naturally, many seek this power, but securing it involves more than just competition. It also requires passing a unique evaluation process. This process serves as a boundary to ensure that the nation doesn’t descend into chaos.

Among the countless sects in [Eastern Origin Mysterious Kingdom], one stands as a colossal powerhouse: the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect]. It was founded by the Saint of the East, one of the Four Saints who quelled the evil spirits chaos. Alongside it are five other sects, which, while slightly smaller, are historically significant and nearly match the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect] in scale. Together, they form a powerful alliance that effectively functions as the governing authority of the nation.

This alliance, with the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect] at its core and the [Five Great Sects] as its pillars, wields absolute control over the country. These six sects collectively govern nearly half of the nation’s territory, while the remaining regions are managed by various other sects. To hold such a position of power, these sects must undergo assessments conducted by envoys from the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect], evaluating their strength, heritage, and reputation.

[Eastern Origin Mysterious Kingdom] governs its vast lands through a system that resembles the feudal division of power. However, the sects granted governing rights are not entirely autonomous. They must regularly pay tribute to the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect] or the alliance and respond to their calls to action when needed. They are also subject to periodic evaluations, ensuring they remain accountable.

Unlike the [Western Origin Spirit Kingdom], where the nation holds sole dominance, [Eastern Origin Mysterious Kingdom]’s ruling structure is a collective system. The leader of the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect] and the leaders of the [Five Great Sects] form the core governing body, consisting of six members. Beneath them, the leaders of various regional sects occupy thirty-six seats and are summoned during critical moments to discuss military or national affairs.

This intricate and competitive structure ensures that the nation remains strong, unified, and dynamic.

Although under normal circumstances, the leaders of the [Five Great Sects] and their sect masters do not reside permanently in the capital, Xingyuan City, leaving most affairs to the “Eastern Saint” to handle, there are special occasions when the highest-ranking six leaders must gather. These meetings are necessary when certain hidden powers need to be mobilized or critical decisions require a collective vote.

This was one of those rare moments, the kind that happens perhaps once in a decade or more.

Passing through multiple layers of external guards, Wen Zhengyang strode into the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect]’s council chamber at the heart of Xingyuan City. Inside, six figures were already waiting for him.

The commander of the [Black Scaled Army], Wen Zhengyang, glanced at the formidable scene before him without faltering. He raised his head and formally saluted the six seated figures, who were arranged in two tiers. One seat above and five below.

“Commander Wen Zhengyang of the [Black Scaled Army] greets His Holiness the Saint and the five sect leaders.”

“Commander Wen, you’ve worked hard on your journey. No need for formalities,” said the Saint from the high seat, their face obscured by the angle and lighting.

“Thank you, Your Holiness,” Wen Zhengyang replied.

After this brief exchange of pleasantries, the Saint wasted no time and went straight to the point. “During your mission over the past month, what did you discover at the ancient ruins? Why did that site suddenly appear in the world?”

Wen Zhengyang gave a concise summary and exchanged a subtle glance with one of the elders among the five sect leaders before responding in a calm yet confident tone.

“The key details of this mission have already been reported to the sect leader of the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect]. Has Your Holiness reviewed them?”

“Yes, I’ve read the report. However, the information provided is incomplete, and some of it touches on critical matters. We need you to elaborate and provide additional details in person.”

“As you wish,” Wen Zhengyang said, as though he had anticipated this request. He knew that assembling all [Five Great Sects] leaders and the Saint in one place was no trivial matter. Even if it partially concerned the upcoming [Four Saints’ Immortal Selection Ceremony], the weight of the current situation demanded a thorough explanation—it was not something that could be brushed aside with vague statements.

Wen Zhengyang understood the purpose of these powerful figures before him and was fully aware of the question they most desperately wanted answered.

“The ruins are an ancient tomb built over a thousand years ago to house the remains of a fearsome and unparalleled demon sovereign. And this tomb…”

He paused briefly, his voice growing deeper and more solemn.

“…was personally constructed through divine powers by the legendary Spirit Veil figure, Her Divineness the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden].”

The moment these words left his mouth, even though the figures on the platform had some prior knowledge of this possibility, they couldn’t hide their astonishment.

“It’s really the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden]’s work!?”

“This is monumental news… and for the tomb to resurface at such a critical moment. Could it hold some kind of hidden meaning?”

“This matter is of great importance. We must find a way to notify Immortal Island…”

“Ahem!”

The Eastern Saint, seated in the highest position, tapped the armrest of their chair, bringing the murmurs of the [Five Great Sects] leaders to a reluctant silence. Calmly yet pointedly, the Saint pressed for more details.

“Commander Wen, you claim this tomb was left by the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden]. What proof do you have to support this?”

“Your Holiness, I saw a statue of Her Divineness deep within the tomb. Moreover, I had the honor of communicating with an imprint of her consciousness left behind. These events were witnessed by at least a hundred officers of the [Black Scaled Army], who can verify my account if needed.”

“The [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden]’s consciousness…”

The Saint sat in silent contemplation for a long time after hearing this, while the Five Sect leaders exchanged discreet glances. Finally, the Saint spoke again.

“So, you’re saying it’s possible to find the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden] or at least a fragment of her will within that tomb?”

Wen Zhengyang shook his head.

“Unfortunately, that fragment of Her Divineness’s power was extremely limited. After performing an extraordinary divine act to reseal both the tomb and the demon sovereign who sought to revive, her consciousness fell into a dormant state. I believe that any further attempts to excavate the tomb would be utterly meaningless at this point.”

The Saint’s eyes, hidden in shadow, narrowed slightly.

“Is this why you ordered your troops to withdraw from the [Wangxi Basin]? That seems overly hasty. Even if the tomb has been resealed, given its connection to such a significant figure as the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden], it would be prudent to station sufficient forces to monitor it for a while. Yet, you withdrew the entire [Black Scaled Army] without leaving anyone behind.”

The armored commander, Wen Zhengyang, remained silent, offering no explanation. The Saint, seemingly losing patience, slammed the armrest of the throne and abruptly stood up, their tone shifting to a sharp anger.

“Wen Zhengyang! You dare! It’s one thing for your report to be vague, but to come before me and withhold information? Do you truly believe I know nothing about what happened there?!”

The sudden burst of fury startled the five sect leaders seated nearby, who exchanged uneasy glances. The Saint looked ready to have Wen Zhengyang executed on the spot, but the commander remained calm and composed, neither submissive nor defiant.

“I would never knowingly withhold information, Your Holiness. I await your instructions,” Wen Zhengyang replied, his tone steady.

“Never withhold information?” The Saint scoffed. “Then tell me this: who is the woman named Violet? What exactly did she discuss with you in private that compelled you to release a fugitive and retreat your forces without hesitation? Who is she? And why did you leave out such a critical detail from your report?”

“Your Holiness, I cannot say.”

“You dare defy me!”

The Saint pulled a bell cord beside the throne, and within moments, a dozen heavily armed elite guards stormed into the chamber. Their presence made it clear that, at a single command, Wen Zhengyang could be seized and punished immediately.

Yet the commander remained unfazed, his expression calm and his voice unwavering, as if he feared nothing.

“Your Holiness, I would never lie or withhold information. However, there are matters I simply cannot speak of. No matter the circumstances, no matter who asks, even if it means my execution. Telling you would change nothing.”

He raised his voice slightly, addressing not just the Saint but also the sect leaders.

“This is not for my own sake, but for all of you, for the safety of the all Spirit Nation and the countless lives within the [Ancient Spirit Realm]. I ask Your Holiness and the honored sect leaders to understand.”